| Don't cancel your weekend campout because it's | | | | and ears. |
| too hot! Be prepared and enjoy the warm | | | | Sun |
| weather. As we reach record high temperatures | | | | I hope everyone is "programmed" to put on |
| across the U.S. it's probably a good time to | | | | sunscreen and wear a hat when going on a |
| review some of the tips for hot weather | | | | summer campout, let alone a hot weather camp. |
| camping. Here are some tips to beat the heat | | | | In humid climates purchase the waterproof |
| that I have learned from my 25+ years camping | | | | sunscreen so it won't come off when you |
| with the Boy Scouts. | | | | perspire. And, always use at least 15 SPF. Don't |
| The 3 big personal issues to take care of are | | | | forget some lip balm! You can get this in 15 SPF |
| Heat, Humidity and Hydration: | | | | also. |
| Heat | | | | There's nothing worse than trying to sleep with a |
| As your body heats up, evaporation is the way | | | | bad sunburn. ☹ |
| your body handles cooling off. As moisture | | | | Find shady places to set up camp, bring a canopy |
| (perspiration) on you is released it carries the heat | | | | or make one by stringing a tarp between some |
| away. This works well in dry, hot areas. | | | | trees. |
| Humidity | | | | Hot Weather Gear |
| Air saturated with moisture is going to have a | | | | When camping in hot weather you can bring the |
| tough time absorbing additional moisture through | | | | same gear as you would normally take on a |
| evaporation. So, in humid areas you need to | | | | campout, except your bedding should be lighter |
| create air movement to encourage evaporation. | | | | and cooler. What I mean by this is, bring a light |
| Breezy areas around lakes are good for this. | | | | nylon sleeping bag, or a bed sheet and a couple of |
| Hydration | | | | blankets. |
| Perspiration draws water out of your body, which | | | | In hot, dry weather sleeping under the stars is |
| must be replaced frequently. Being thirsty is not a | | | | the best camping has to offer. Slip a sleeping pad |
| good indicator of your need for water. Surprisingly | | | | under your sleeping bag and you are set. If you |
| enough, your urine is the best indicator. Drink | | | | need more shelter you can tie up the ends of a |
| often enough so that your urine is light-colored or | | | | tarp in the trees or sling the tarp over a tight |
| clear. If it's dark colored, drink more water! | | | | robe, tied between two trees. |
| Water drinking tips: | | | | Most good 3 season tents have a rain fly that |
| - Keep water easily available and drink often | | | | goes over the top of the tent to prevent |
| - Avoid drinking lots of caffeinated drinks. They | | | | moisture from coming in. This is good in humid, |
| act as diuretics and remove fluids from your | | | | hot camping, but I would remove the rain fly in |
| body. | | | | hot, dry areas so you have a "screened" roof to |
| - Drink lots of water. Especially during a strenuous | | | | keep the bugs out and watch the stars as you |
| activity such as a hike. Take lots of water on a | | | | doze off. |
| hike or hike to a known water source. | | | | Keeping things Cool |
| Hot Weather Clothing | | | | Once you are settled into camp and you have |
| Picking the right clothing for a hot weather | | | | your personal hydration under control, your tent in |
| campout can go a long way to making you a | | | | the shade, and maybe a canopy setup to get out |
| happy camper! Keep these tips in mind: | | | | of the sum, you are pretty much ready to enjoy |
| - Pick light-colored, breathable fabrics that don't | | | | the campout. |
| absorb heat. Leave your black "Metalica" t-shirt at | | | | Keeping food and drinks cool in hot weather is not |
| home! ☺ | | | | difficult. In the desert camping I do, I bring two |
| - Wear a hat. Not only for shade, but to ward off | | | | coolers, one for drinks and one for food. Knowing |
| sunstroke and over heating | | | | ahead of time that the drink cooler will be opened |
| - Nylon or polyester shorts and shirts are always | | | | and closed all day, but the food one will not. I |
| good. The fabric is cool, durable and will dry | | | | bring extra ice and store it in the food cooler and |
| quickly when you perspire | | | | as the drink cooler looses ice, I replace it My |
| - Cotton is also a good choice. But I find it doesn't | | | | coolers will keep my food and drinks cold for |
| dry as quickly and at night I don't want a wet, | | | | about two days. Any campout longer than that |
| cold shirt on my back | | | | and I've got to make a trip for ice. |
| Bugs | | | | If you are prepared and follow these tips you can |
| If you are in a bug-infested area, you may need | | | | enjoy hot weather camping and especially the |
| a hat with netting or need to wear long, | | | | "under the stars" sleep out that is totally unique! I |
| light-colored pants and a long sleeved shirt. Above | | | | am constantly in awe of the number of stars in |
| all, apply and re-apply insect repellent | | | | the sky on a clear, hot night. |
| (DEET-based), especially around your ankles, neck, | | | | |